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If you’re a fan of movies that are so bad they’re good, then you’re in for a treat. Kitschy films are a guilty pleasure, known for their over-the-top acting, outrageous plots, and pure campiness. These movies might not win any Oscars, but they’re unforgettable in their own right. Whether you’re looking for a good laugh or just something out of the ordinary, these kitschy classics are perfect for a fun movie night. Here are 10 kitschiest movies every Gen Z should experience at least once.
1. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
This cult classic is the definition of kitsch. From its outrageous costumes to its catchy, campy musical numbers, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an experience like no other. The film’s bizarre plot, which involves a newly engaged couple stumbling into a mansion filled with eccentric characters, has made it a staple of midnight screenings for decades. The film encourages audience participation, so get ready to shout, sing, and dance along.
- Stream on: Hulu
- Kitsch Rating: 10/10 🎬
2. Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959)
Often hailed as the "worst movie ever made," Plan 9 from Outer Space is a kitschy masterpiece that has earned its place in film history. Directed by the infamous Ed Wood, this sci-fi horror flick features alien invaders, resurrected corpses, and some of the worst special effects you’ll ever see. The charm of this film lies in its earnest attempt at storytelling, despite its glaring flaws.
- Stream on: Amazon Prime
- Kitsch Rating: 9/10 👽
3. Showgirls (1995)
Showgirls is the ultimate guilty pleasure movie. It’s a film so over-the-top in its portrayal of the Las Vegas showbiz scene that it’s impossible to take seriously. From its absurd dialogue to its extravagant dance numbers, Showgirls has everything you’d want in a kitschy movie. It’s a film that has become a cult classic for its unintentional humor and sheer audacity.
- Stream on: Netflix
- Kitsch Rating: 9/10 💃
4. Xanadu (1980)
Disco, roller skating, and Greek muses—Xanadu is a kitschy dream come true. This musical fantasy film starring Olivia Newton-John is a roller-skating adventure through a neon-lit world of disco and dreams. Despite its critical panning, Xanadu has a devoted fanbase that embraces its campy charm and infectious soundtrack.
- Stream on: Peacock
- Kitsch Rating: 8/10 🛼
5. The Room (2003)
Known as "the Citizen Kane of bad movies," The Room is a kitsch classic that has captivated audiences with its bizarre plot, awkward acting, and memorable one-liners. Written, directed, and starring Tommy Wiseau, this film about love and betrayal is as strange as it is hilarious. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in the best of the worst in cinema.
- Stream on: Amazon Prime
- Kitsch Rating: 10/10 🛋️
6. Flash Gordon (1980)
Flash Gordon is a campy space opera that’s full of vibrant colors, over-the-top villains, and a rock soundtrack by Queen. This 1980s sci-fi film embraces its cheesiness with gusto, creating a world that’s as bizarre as it is entertaining. The film’s theatrical style and kitschy dialogue make it a fun, light-hearted watch.
- Stream on: HBO Max
- Kitsch Rating: 8/10 🚀
7. Grease 2 (1982)
While Grease is a beloved classic, its sequel Grease 2 is pure kitsch. With its outlandish musical numbers and corny plot, this film has a cult following that appreciates it for its unintentional humor and 1980s charm. From "Cool Rider" to "Reproduction," the songs in Grease 2 are as kitschy as they come, making it a fun watch for any Gen Z viewer.
- Stream on: Paramount+
- Kitsch Rating: 7/10 🏍️
8. Mommie Dearest (1981)
No wire hangers, ever! Mommie Dearest is a biographical drama about Hollywood legend Joan Crawford, but it’s the exaggerated performances and melodramatic scenes that make it a kitschy favorite. Faye Dunaway’s portrayal of Crawford is so over-the-top that it turns what was meant to be a serious film into a camp classic.
- Stream on: Hulu
- Kitsch Rating: 8/10 🧥
9. Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! (1978)
This film takes the concept of a B-movie to new heights. As the title suggests, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes! is about giant, mutated tomatoes wreaking havoc on humanity. The movie is deliberately ridiculous, with cheesy special effects, a nonsensical plot, and goofy humor. It’s a perfect example of kitsch at its finest.
- Stream on: Amazon Prime
- Kitsch Rating: 9/10 🍅
10. Barbarella (1968)
Barbarella is a psychedelic sci-fi adventure starring Jane Fonda as the titular character, a space-traveling heroine on a mission to save the universe. The film is a visual feast of 1960s pop art, featuring outlandish costumes, bizarre sets, and a plot that makes little sense. Its kitschy appeal lies in its groovy aesthetics and campy dialogue, making it a cult classic for lovers of the weird and wonderful.
- Stream on: HBO Max
- Kitsch Rating: 8/10 🌌
Kitsch is more than just bad movies—it’s an art form that embraces the ridiculous, the exaggerated, and the over-the-top. These films may not be masterpieces, but they’re undeniably fun, offering an escape into worlds that are delightfully bizarre and unabashedly campy. Whether you’re watching alone or with friends, these kitschy classics are sure to entertain and leave you laughing at their sheer audacity.
Stay connected and dive into more quirky, cult-classic film recommendations at Woke Waves Magazine. We’re here to keep your movie nights full of fun and nostalgia.
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